Variation of Boride Layer Characteristeics by Heating Conditions and Materials

Abstract

Surface treatment is commonly used as the most efficient and cost down method of producing high hardness materials for machine parts. Currently, high hardness materials are being created from boronized materials through diffusion of Boron. This research investigated the improvement of mechanical properties as a result of boronizing, according to the variation of heating conditions and materials. Boronizing was performed at four kinds of steels SS41, S4SC, SKD61 and SUS304. All experiments were performed under equal conditions to allow for the comparison of results. Three kinds of boronizing time periods, 2hr, 3hr and 5hr were used at 900°C, and a reheated cycle was also used in this test. The results indicated that all specimens produced borides, and the X-ray deflection method demonstrated that the boride layers consisted of FeB or Fe2B.